Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

There are a few moments that were fantastic, but mostly it was the opportunity to be able to be cycling through communities and being able to call Aybowan (the traditional greeting) to people as we rode past. Cycling also enabled us to go to local refreshment stops along our journey and I loved being a part of the culture while we were there. One of my favourite parts was going up to Sigiria Rock and seeing the breath taking views over the lush green trees beneath us.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our group leader, Suresh was fantastic! Such a friendly person and never tired of asking our questions about Sri Lanka's history and culture. He was endlessly patient and very supportive. He also has a cheeky sense of humour so we had lots of laughs along the way. He was also very thoughtful and seemed to consider everything along the way.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Because I went on this trip with my partner you should be under no illusions that you'll spend lots of time together as you spend most of the time as a group (apart from when you are cycling along all at your own pace) so something to be aware of depending on what holiday you're after. Other advice is to have a bag that you can easily pack and unpack as many of the places you stay in you are only in for one night. Also, the holiday has a very packed schedule so expect early starts (sometimes 6am!). Other advice is to not use a padded bike seat and padded shorts, one or the other suffices!

Most Inspirational Moment

Realising how endangered the Rhinos are, seeing them in the wild, along with all the elephants roaming in their herds. Beautiful sight to see. Getting up close and personal with Caspar and Kitzu, the elephants in the rehab centre (thanks for the elephant kiss!!)

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very well organised, helpful and extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife especially in Kruger

Advice for Potential Travellers

Pack for all types of weather. The safari was in 35 degrees of heat but then during some of the rides we thought we were in the Scottish Highlands with the mist and pine trees and fully expected to see a stag appear. Don't snooze on the bus whilst having the Zulu briefing and this tour is not suitable for road bikes (some off roading, but nothing technical). Accomodation was of a really good standard, even the permanent tents in Kruger were absolutely fine. Watch Zulu, but not the Lion King before you go (I spent a fair amount of Safari having Hakuna Mattata going round my head, and was fully expecting the Hyena I saw to speak to me!)

Most Inspirational Moment

So many to choose from but cycling through villages where children are just so excited to come out and say hello and high 5 you. Others include just immersing yourself into their culture and dont get me started on the food - it was incredible.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Words cannot praise Long Le enough. From the first moment, he took away all the stresses of travelling and being in a new country and allowed the group to relax and enjoy themselves. His smile and infectious happiness was a joy to behold. His team were also equally magnificent and the 4 of them worked seamlessly together. Long Le is a special person, and to be treated to lunch with his family says so much about the generosity and spirit of the man. Nice painted toe nails as well!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go there and get involved and enjoy this wonderful place. Re: the cycling, do some training as the heat can sap you of energy so preparation is important. You can get money anywhere from ATMs so that is not an issue either. Allow yourself some additional time at either end of the holiday to enjoy the area even more.

Most Inspirational Moment

The temple at Madurai. Our home Stay at Vanilla country. Visit to Auroville on our first day. Chettinadu village

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader put in a tremendous effort to make everybody happy. We would go with him again.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Exodus should upgrade the trip notes.

Most Inspirational Moment

Our leader Wilbert making sure that everyone is being looked after, gets to the finishing line and makes the most of the trip. All of us making it through the Sun Gate and seeing Machu Picchu in all its glory spreading below us, after 4 days of sweating and gasping for breath. The homestay with people who live very simply but know how have fun!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Wilbert Ramos was just number one - nothing was too much for him, great organiser and people person with a wicked sense of humour. The trip would not be the same without him.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Read the trip notes and others' reviews, it really gives you a pretty good idea what you're getting into. I would say the activity level, especially on the Trail, is moderate to challenging, you definitely need to be fit and expect to be affected by the altitude to some level. This is an active holiday, there is not much free time to roam around and/or shop. Make the most of it, be open and enjoy it! Take more money than suggested - I have spent closer to $500 on tips & food.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the amazing old town of Trinidad. It has an eventful history that encompasses the slave trade and tabacco plantation era. Nowadays the 'owners' original estate mansion is preserved as it was centuries ago, whilst the 'workers' tiny terraced houses provide a remarkable contrast to the palacial style of the mansion.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was a font of knowledge who guided the group with such a natural and friendly style. It's impossible to find any shortfall.

Advice for Potential Travellers

I wish that I had read a little more of Cuba's history prior to the trip. There was so much to take-in that I'm sure that I missed many interesting features.

Most Inspirational Moment

Surprisingly, not the orang-utans, wonderful though they were. My own 'wow' moment was visiting the enormous Deer Cave and watching the many thousands of bats heading out into the darkening evening sky. Magical.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Rony was friendly, enthusiastic, helpful, knowledgeable. One of the very best tour leaders I've come across.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Expect to get wet. Expect to get hot and sweaty. Take good but lightweight walking boots. Go with the flow.

Most Inspirational Moment

Reaching Stella point after many hours of walking in the dark was exhilarating. Going on from there to the summit was easy.

Thoughts on Group Leader

He was great. We all felt very safe and he was 100% approachable.

Most Inspirational Moment

Waking up early in the morning to see geysers because sunrise

Thoughts on Group Leader

My group leader is friendly, she is helpful when I had any questions. We have a small group of travelers in this tour and we all took care of each other

Advice for Potential Travellers

carry appropriate clothing from desert like temperature of 31 degree to the Patagonia temperature of 7 degree with strong winds. Also, be mindful about the change of altitude at the desert area

Most Inspirational Moment

Witnessing the tenacity, strength, and friendliness of the Cuban people, the vibrance of the culture that just oozes out, and the music!!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Yuri was patient and kind; combined with a good sense of humor, that put everyone at ease. His honesty and willingness to share about life in Cuba was endearing. Your tour leader "makes or breaks" your trip, and he was the best guide, that we've ever had. He was very knowledgeable about the history and politics of Cuba, and was able to give us lots of information at the sites we visited. He was able to calmly manage any issues that came up, despite having a group of 17 to look after. We felt taken care of, during the entire trip. Thank you!!

Advice for Potential Travellers

Go, you won't regret it!